access routes DK to be completed by 2020, access routes Germany to be completed in 2 steps (2020 - 2027)

Hamburg/Bremen - Hannover

Rail

works to be started before 2020

München - Wörgl

Rail

access to Brenner Base Tunnel and cross-border section: studies

Brenner Base Tunnel

Rail

studies and works

Fortezza - Verona

Rail

studies and works

Napoli - Bari

Rail

studies and works

Napoli – Reggio Calabria

Rail

Upgrading

Messina - Palermo

Rail

upgrading (remaining sections)

Palermo - Valletta

Ports, MoS

port hinterland connections

Valletta - Marsaxlokk

Port, airport

traffic management systems to be deployed, upgrading of modal interconnection

The Helsinki-Valletta Corridor is the longest of the 10 TEN-T Core Network Corridors and is based in part on a series of former Priority Projects (1, 11, 12 and 20), ERTMS corridor B and Rail freight corridor 3. It links the major urban centres in Germany and Italy to Scandinavia and the Mediterranean whilst crossing 7 different Member States. (Finland/Sweden/Denmark/Germany/Austria/Italy/Malta). Although there is a vast consensus on the importance of this corridor in general, there are still some problematic sections that are seen to be critical from several sides. In terms of planning it again seems to be the cross border sections. In particular, the approaches to the Brenner Base Tunnel (BBT) still do not get as much attention as they need. Shortcomings in this regard are seen in Germany as well as in Italy. In respect of financing, it is particularly the BBT that attracts the attention of critics, due to the huge and still unclear financing.

The main trouble spots for the Helsinki-Valletta Corridor are the Fehmarn Belt link between Denmark and Germany, as well as the Brenner Base Tunnel and its access routes between Munich and Verona as well as the Y-line between Hamburg, Bremen and Hannover and the railway track through the Thüringer Forrest. As well as the Bridge of Messina, there is also a sleeping spot.